What started as a pizza restaurant is now a cosy family-friendly café in the heart of Kensington. Local Folk, as its name suggests, is a place for the community to relax with a cup of coffee and tasty brunch.
Café Owner Ashley Benson says with the help of Toby’s Estate’s Brunswick blend, the café has developed a steady stream of regulars filtering in each morning.
“The Brunswick blend is very unique, with caramel, hazelnut, and praline notes. It’s well-liked by our customers and my personal favourite,” Ashley says.
Having partnered with Toby’s Estate for six years, Ashley says he’s always enjoyed working with the roaster.
“We’re well supported by Toby’s Estate on the coffee side of things. We have a very strong relationship with them. They’re all about supporting the community and small businesses,” says Ashley.
“I’m very passionate about getting the right products for the customers, and to know that they’re always one phone call away to provide the best quality beans is really fantastic.”
For the gnocchi obsessed, Local Folk puts a breakfast spin on the much-loved Italian classic, elevated with an assembly of mushroom, bacon, haloumi, and crowned with a fried egg. Although far from traditional, Ashley says it’s one of the cafés most popular dishes.
“The menu also offers some great breakfast staples, like our smashed avo and breakfast burger, what I would call comfort food. We keep it simple, with fresh, local ingredients,” says Ashley.
Little Folk’s menu also incorporates kids favourites such as cheese and vegemite toasties, and chicken nuggets and chips.
With lots of shady street-side seating and plenty of space inside, the café is split into two levels, with the sunny upper level more suitable for families.
“If you carry the pram up a few stairs, you’ll find a little kids corner complete with a chalk board, mini table, colouring activities, and books,” he says.
Ashley says he always strives for customer satisfaction, making it his main priority to employ local staff who enjoy the work to maintain a sense of community.
“Local Folk is a quiet, friendly, neighbourhood hub where you can grab a coffee or settle in for a more substantial meal while the kids can be entertained,” he says.
Ashley adds that he hopes to expand the Local Folk community, with new venues on the horizon.
“In the next few years, we’re planning to expand with some Little Folk venues in residential areas. They’ll be smaller cafés with basic coffee and menu options similar to Local Folk.”
Local Folk
43 Epsom Road,
Kensington, Victoria, 3031
Open Monday to Saturday 7am – 3pm
And Sunday 8am – 3pm
0410 639 393
This article appears in the April 2022 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
